---------------------------------------------------------
Retorts Panlilio:
PDI: Panlilio not quitting priesthood
REACTIONS FROM THE
HOMEFRONT (PAMPANGA)
Columnists / Analysts
MANILA, Philippines – This early, pledges from overseas are coming in for Pampanga
Governor Ed Panlilio.
An elderly gentleman has expressed his intention to part with $100 from his budget for
hypertension and diabetes medicine. A Filipino in New York is also putting in $100,
and another is contributing $5.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983 has pledged an initial
$100. A contract worker in Jordan is investing $1,000.
Pledges like these from ordinary Filipinos clamoring for good governance and willing
to put their money where their mouth is are serving to encourage Panlilio to seriously
consider seeking the presidency in 2010, with Isabela Governor Grace Padaca as his
running mate.
―I will go for whoever will represent a genuine reform constituency,‖ he said. ―It does
not necessarily have to be me. If there is a more appropriate candidate, why will I
present myself? I look at my role now as more of one of the convenors of a genuine
reform coalition.‖
Panlilio said he had been telling various groups ―that we should have one reform
candidate; otherwise, we will get a president that we do not like.‖
He said he had to help solidify a reform movement for 2010 because he believed that
Filipinos were desperately seeking candidates who were not steeped in traditional
politics and were willing to stamp out graft and corruption.
―Corruption is the biggest issue of the 2010 elections. People are tired of it and it is
really the reason behind all of our problems,‖ he said.
Panlilio said he had realized that he would face an uphill climb if he decided to run for
president.
But he said his spirits were buoyed by the expressions of support from diverse groups
committed to devote not only time and effort but also money to his and Padaca‘s
campaign.
Big backer
―I will support them because they represent a different kind of politics. They are the
right candidates because they are reform-minded and they have the actual hands-on
experience in running their local governments,‖ said Bermudez, current president of
the Management Association of the Philippines.
Bermudez said he would not back any of the names being floated as possible
presidential candidates because they were ―traditional politicians.‖
―I would not put the future of the country in their hands,‖ said Bermudez, who was
active in the late Raul Roco‘s campaign for the presidency in 2004.
―The 2010 election presents another opportunity for us to correct mistakes,‖ he said.
Also supporting Panlilio is Ifugao Gov. Teodoro B. Baguilat Jr., who expressed the
belief that a ―silent majority‖ would come out in 2010 to vote for a reform candidate.
Baguilat, who may also seek reelection as governor in 2010, said he was taking a risk
by supporting Panlilio.
―As corny or as cliché as it may sound, I am doing this for the country,‖ said Baguilat,
who is actively gathering financial, technical and even moral support for Panlilio and
Padaca.
―I am helping lay the groundwork for their campaign. The dynamics should work itself
out later on,‖ he said, adding:
―I am really just tired of hearing people say that they are tired of corruption and yet do
not do anything about it. Now, I am asking people to be part of the campaign and not
just complain.‖
Baguilat, like Panlilio and Padaca, is a member of Kaya Natin!, a movement that
seeks to propagate the gospel of good governance.
Among the other members are Mayor Jesse Robredo of Naga City and Mayor Sonia
Lorenzo of San Isidro, Nueva Ecija.
Alternative to ‘trapo’
He defeated the incumbent governor, Mark Lapid, and provincial board member Lilia
Pineda, wife of alleged ―jueteng‖ lord Rodolfo ―Bong‖ Pineda.
Just a month after assuming office after the May 2007 elections, Panlilio was able to
collect for Pampanga P29.4 million from quarry operations on volcanic ash from Mt.
Pinatubo.
It took his predecessor one year to collect about the same amount.
In October 2007, Panlilio told the media that he was handed a paper bag containing
P500,000 right after a meeting between President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and local
officials in Malacañang.
Recall election
Panlilio, who was named the Inquirer Filipino of the Year for 2007, has lately faced a
challenge.
In October 2008, the group Kapanalig at Kambilan ning Memalen Pampanga Inc. filed
a petition for a recall election to unseat him.
The petition was anchored on four cases – the complaint of two workers terminated
for alleged corruption in quarry fee collection; Panlilio‘s refusal to enforce an
ordinance that would ease restrictions on quarry tax collections and increase mayors‘
access to these funds; a perjury case; and a case against Panlilio‘s decision to
change the assignments of district hospital heads.
But last February, a budget-deficient Commission on Elections ruled that the holding
of a recall election might no longer be possible.
REACTIONS…
THE CHURCH
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz reminded Panlilio, who has been on leave
from his priestly duties while in office, that Universal Church Law forbid clerics from
assuming public office.
Aniceto's disapproval was expected. Two months before the May 2007 elections, he
told some 100 lay people gathered in a meeting then that "priests are not of this
world."
"They fulfill Christ's prophecy by bringing souls to heaven," he said as he shot down
the plan of concerned Kapampangan (Pampanga natives) to field Panlilio as
governor.
Panlilio did run, saying the "extraordinary situation" faced by Kapampangan voters --
that of choosing between candidates identified with the illegal numbers game jueteng
and quarry irregularity -- necessitated a "moral force."
He invoked a provision in the Canon law that allowed the clergy's intervention when
public welfare was at risk.
Amid calls for him to run with Isabela Governor Maria Gracia Cielo Padaca as vice
president, Panlilio said he saw himself "more as a convenor" in the selection process
for reform candidates.
He said "the heart of the priesthood is to live the life of Jesus in the world."
He said the reactions of Villarama were in "defense of traditional politics and corrupt
system in the country."
"I pray that [Villarama] would have the objectivity to assess what our administration
has accomplished," he said.
HEADLINES
Cruz said that the Roman Catholic Church is not inclined to support him in his bid
to be the first clergyman to become Philippine president.
―He must first formally get out of the priesthood, officially and
permanently, so that he would not drag the clergy and the Church into
downright partisan politics,‖ Cruz said in an interview.
Panlilio hinted last week that he might run in next year‘s presidential elections if it
is the will of God and if there is a strong clamor for him to do so.
―If people will say that I can do it, if they will say I can make it, yes (I will run),‖
Panlilio said in an interview with Church-run Radio Veritas.
Cruz, an expert in Canon Law, said by breaking cleanly from the priesthood
Panlilio would evade the possibility of the Church being used in his campaign, just
like what he did when he ran for Pampanga governor.
The Church does not engage in partisan politics and the CBCP has never
expressed its full support to Panlilio‘s political career even during his gubernatorial
bid in Pampanga in the 2007 polls, Cruz said.
Panlilio also said that in the event that he runs for president, he is eyeing Isabela
Gov. Grace Padaca as his running mate.
He said there are groups that are supporting his presidential bid next year while
there are also some political parties that are pushing him to run either as vice
president or senator.
Cruz said Panlilio could not get the full support of Catholic voters if he runs for
president.
―There is no Catholic vote as proven in his earlier run in Pampanga,‖ the bishop
said.
―Even in Pampanga, which is a very Catholic province and with millions of voters,
he only won by more than just a thousand votes,‖ Cruz noted.
Panlilio won as governor of Pampanga in 2007 defeating Lilia Pineda, a known ally
of President Arroyo by 1,147 votes.
Panlilio is still facing a recall elections petition filed at the Commission on Elections
by supporters of Pineda.
Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said more candidates would give voters wider
latitude of choice for the future leaders of the country.
―We welcome the desire of Gov. Panlilio and Gov. Padaca to join the presidential
race. The more candidates, the merrier,‖ he said.
Remonde brushed aside calls for Cabinet officials, who are reportedly planning to
run for senator, to resign to insulate their respective departments from politicking.
He said the names of Cabinet officials that came out in the news only meant that
the Arroyo administration has a ―deep bench‖ of senatorial candidates.
MANILA, Philippines - Before throwing his hat into the presidential race in
2010, priest turned Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio should think of the risk
of "shame" he may bring to the Catholic Church.
The advice came Monday from a senior Catholic bishop who said Panlilio
already divided the Church hierarchy when he ran for Pampanga governor in
2007.
"At halimbawa maging presidente na, kung siya gumawa ng mabuti, mabuti
naman. Pero kung gumawa ng masama, nagkamali o anuman, kadamay ang
simbahan at kadamay ang kaparian," Lingayen-Dagupan archbishop Oscar
Cruz said in an interview on dwIZ radio.
[Let's say he becomes President in 2010. If he does well, well and good. But
if he screws up in his job, the entire Church will be put to shame]
Cruz added that he has no problem with Padaca running for higher office in
2010, describing her as among the "matitinong tao (upright people)." -
GMANews.TV
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/153795/Prelate-to-Panlilio-Dont-risk-sullying-churchs-name
Manila Archbishop says he won’t back
Panlilio’s presidential bid
"Ayaw ko makialam
diyan sapagkat pulitika
yan [I don't want to
interfere because that's
politics]," Rosales said in
reaction to the
announcement of priest-
Figure 1 Click photo for video link turned-Pampanga
Governor Ed Panlilio that
he is thinking about joining the presidential race in next year‘s polls.
Rosales blamed the country's political system for Panlilio's inclination to run
for the highest office, saying that the kind of politics in the country has
pushed people to desire for change.
The President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and Jaro
Archbishop Angel Lagdameo had said earlier that the CBCP would not
endorse any candidate in the coming polls. - Aie Balagtas See,
GMANews.TV
BREAKING NEWS
The Manila Archbishop‘s statement came after Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio, a priest
on leave, earlier expressed his intention to run for higher office in the 2010
elections.
Gaudencio said the decision of Panlilio and some members of the clergy to venture
into politics is an indication that people want change in the system of governance.
"Yan ay dahil na rin sa ang mga tao ay sawang-sawa na sa sistema (It is because
of the people becoming tired of the current system in the government)," Rosales
said.
http://www.philstar.com/ArticlePrinterFriendly.aspx?articleId=451222
"This issue is not a matter of consensus. It is part of the Canon law. There are also no
endorsements [by the bishops]," CBCP spokesman Monsignor Pepe Quitorio said
Tuesday.
However, Quitorio said the CBCP would ―campaign‖ for the attributes needed for good
governance.
Lingayen Archbishop Oscar Cruz said Panlilio would find it hard to serve the church and
government at the same time, since both need time and focus.
Cruz said a typical day for a priest includes reading the bible and long prayer, which
Panlilio might not be able to do should he become president.
Cruz also wondered how Panlilio could unite the country when he has failed to unite the
politicians in his province.
"If what I hear about him is true, he may find it hard to govern a nation if his governance
in Pampanga was [difficult]," said Cruz, noting reports that even the provincial board
and local clergy do not support the governor.
Cruz admitted he is still for the presidency of Chief Justice Renato Puno.
Panlilio earlier said he was open to running for presidency if there was public clamor.
Filed Under: Elections, Eleksyon 2010, Politics, Churches (organisations), Local authorities
―The more a priest goes up the political ladder, the more detrimental it could be to his
priesthood,‖ said San Fernando Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, Panlilio‘s immediate
superior.
Aniceto told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Sunday that he was worried that the
priesthood could be used for political ends.
Panlilio, who is suspended from performing priestly duties, defeated two administration
candidates in a close race for the governorship in Pampanga in 2007.
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz said Panlilio should leave the priesthood if
he wanted to run for president.
Cruz reminded Panlilio that universal Church law forbade clerics from assuming public
office.
―How, therefore, could a priest be a politician at the same time (when there are) no less
than two separate, official and categorical Church prohibitions to be such?‖ Cruz said.
Over the weekend, Panlilio told the Inquirer that he was open to the possibility of
seeking the presidency with Padaca as his running mate.
On Sunday when the Inquirer published a story on the clamor for him to give the
presidency a try, Panlilio said he was swamped with phone calls, text messages and e-
mail expressing support.
Get dispensation
He pointed out that it was only Panlilio who went on temporary leave from priesthood,
when members of the clergy in other countries had either asked for dispensation or
were dismissed when they sought public office.
The archbishop cited the case of ousted Haiti President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a
Catholic priest who was first elected president in 1990. He officially resigned from the
priesthood in 1994 reportedly upon pressure from the Vatican.
―It is only in the Philippines where we have a governor who was suspended from being
a priest,‖ Cruz said.
In Paraguay, Fernando Lugo quit the cloth four years ago and run for president last
year. His victory ousted the 61-year rule of the Colorado Party.
Aniceto‘s disapproval of efforts to convince Panlilio to run for president was expected.
Two months before the May 2007 elections, he told some 100 lay people gathered at a
meeting that ―priests are not of this world.‖
―They fulfill Christ‘s prophecy by bringing souls to heaven,‖ he said as he shot down the
plan of concerned Pampanga residents to field Panlilio as a candidate for governor.
Moral force
Panlilio did run, saying the ―extraordinary situation‖ faced by Kapampangan voters—that
of choosing between candidates identified with jueteng and quarrying irregularities—
necessitated a ―moral force.‖
He invoked a provision in canon law that allowed the clergy‘s intervention when public
welfare was at risk.
For her part, the polio-stricken Padaca left her job as a broadcast journalist to end a
political dynasty that had ruled Isabela province for decades.
At a press conference in Manila, ―running priest‖ Robert Reyes called on the public to
set aside ―one peso for change.‖
The funds to be raised by the yet unnamed coalition would be for the 2010 national
campaign of ―alternative leaders‖ like Panlilio and Padaca, who the group said could rid
the government of corruption and bring change to the country being nontraditional
politicians.
Among the coalition members represented at Sunday‘s forum were Reyes‘ Kubol Pag-
asa Community, a group advocating reforms in government; Pakisama, an umbrella
group of farmers‘ organizations; the Philippine Alliance of Ex-Seminarians (PAX); and
Kaya Natin!, a movement promoting good governance.
Replicate
―Let‘s replicate what happened in Pampanga, Isabela, and Naga on a national level,‖
said Ricardo Rico of PAX.
Pakisama national chair Crispino Aguelo compared selecting government leaders with
limited choices of food. ―We take what‘s on the table even if we don‘t like it. But why
don‘t we cook the food that we really want to eat?‖ he said.
Eirene Aguila of Kaya Natin! said the coalition was aware of the odds that it was up
against, taking note of the clout, wealth and machinery of established political parties.
Despite the odds, it appears that the two governors are willing to give the presidency
and vice presidency a shot.
―Several times, they (Panlilio and Padaca) said that they were open to running (in 2010)
… They just want to see if the people will support them,‖ Aguila said.
Panlilio said he saw himself ―more as a convenor‖ in the selection process for reform-
minded candidates. ―I am just helping in the selection of the candidates, but I am being
chosen as the groom,‖ he told the Inquirer Sunday.
He said ―the heart of the priesthood is to live the life of Jesus in the world.‖
Ed Malay, a spokesperson of former President Fidel Ramos, said at the forum that the
Panlilio-Padaca 2010 movement came as a surprise to him.
Malay said a Panlilio-Padaca tandem would change the complexion of the 2010
elections.
―People may be looking for change, an alternative to the usual political administration
coming in term after term,‖ he said.
Fighting chance
Malay said the future of the Panlilio-Padaca movement would depend heavily on how
organized the coalition would be and on its ability to reach the grassroots.
In a visit to the Inquirer offices in Makati City on Saturday with Panlilio, Ifugao Gov.
Teodoro Baguilat Jr. acknowledged that the challenge to the movement was ―how to
convince voters that (Panlilio and Padaca) have a fighting chance.‖
Panlilio said three ―signs‖ would help convince him to seek the presidency: if the clamor
of groups snowballs; if he does not see any other candidate who will genuinely serve
the country and not his or her interests and family; and the result of his own ―process of
discernment.‖
―If I decide to run and feel at ease, then to me, that‘s a sign. If I am confused, then it‘s a
sign not to go for it,‖ Panlilio said.
Sen. Francis ―Kiko‖ Pangilinan Sunday supported calls for Panlilio to form a coalition for
the presidential election in 2010.
―We welcome this development for the cause of political reforms in the country. We
must seek alternatives to ‗trapo‘ politics and politics as usual,‖ Pangilinan said in a
statement.
Malacañang sees no problem with Panlilio seeking the presidency. ―The more
candidates, the better,‖ Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said on Radyo ng Bayan. ―It
will give our people a wider latitude of choice for future leaders in our country.‖ With
reports from Jeannette I. Andrade, Christine O. Avendaño and Christian V.
Esguerra
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20090323-195593/Panlilio-run-worries-
two-Catholic-bishops
CBCP HEAD
Panlilio was suspended from performing priestly duties when he ran for governor in
2007. He defeated two administration candidates in a close contest.
The governor earlier said he was open to running for president with Isabela Governor
Grace Padaca as his running mate in next year's elections.
Lagdameo said it would be up to civil society or members of the laity to identify and
encourage potential and "non-trapo [traditional politicians]" leaders for political renewal.
Quoting Pope Benedict XVI , Lagdameo said: "A big part of the vocation of Christian
lay people is their participation in politics in order to bring justice, honesty and defense
of true and authentic values…of society."
"I believe that our country is not lacking in people from civil society who have the gifts of
authentic, credible, moral and patriotic leadership," said Lagdameo.
Asked whether Panlilio would be a loss to the church in case he left the priesthood,
Lagdameo said Panlilio's diocese already suffered a loss when he decided to run for
governor and was suspended from office.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20090323-195782/Gov-should-leave-
priesthood-if-he-runs
Panlilio retorts:
It was Aniceto who suspended the priest's ministry work in May 2007 when he ventured
into politics.
Panlilio said other canon lawyers did not have the same opinion as Cruz's.
Panlilio was Cruz's secretary when the latter served as bishop of Pampanga until 1989.
Panlilio clarified that he had yet to decide whether to heed calls for him to run for
president.
"I prefer to be a convenor," he told the Philippine Daily Inquirer. "I'm still hoping
somebody can give it a try. He should be advocating and practicing good governance
and eager to help in making a better Philippines for poor Filipinos."
Like in the May 2007 polls, his fellow priests are divided over the plan to field him as a
presidential candidate.
He said local priests have not been totally one with him in that plan and clergy members
close to him were scheduled to meet him on Monday night to discuss the issue.
While Aniceto maintained his conservative stance that the Church and the State should
remain separate, Pampanga Bishop Roberto Mallari said, "I will not campaign against
Among [Father] Ed because I stand for what he stands for."
But Mallari said he would prefer that lay leaders enter politics.
"I'm praying that lay persons would come out and run for barangay and national
positions," Mallari said on Radio Veritas on Monday.
"We want [Panlilio] to return to the ministry pero siya pa rin ang magdedesisyon [it is still
him who will decide]," Mallari said.
"He can't even control his own provincial administrator," Henson said, referring to lawyer
Vivian Dabu. "How can he elevate his sights on the national arena with his substandard
performance?"
In Isabela, Gov. Grace Padaca said she was overwhelmed by a sudden surge of
support generated by a movement that would field Panlilio and her as presidential and
vice presidential candidates, respectively, in 2010.
But Padaca said she was more interested in seeing how Filipinos would respond to this
idea of nontraditional politicians vying for the nation's two highest government positions.
"I was at first overwhelmed, and could not help but ask, 'Why me?' But as these
expressions of support are starting to mount, we can't help but take a second serious
look at it. Right now, I'm interested to find out how our people would respond to this call
in the coming days," Padaca said.
She said she was grateful that she, along with Panlilio and Naga City Mayor Jesse
Robredo, was being considered by many sectors as among the new breed of leaders,
expected to change the standards of governance in the country.
"We just would like to say thank you that they think of us that way, but at the same time,
respect what they want to do. One thing that we would want to point out is that this
[idea] did not come from us; it was started by groups who are acting on their own," she
said.
Padaca was in Mindanao Monday to speak before graduates of the Notre Dame of
Marbel University in Koronadal City and Davao Wisdom Academy in Davao City, two of
the many invitations she has been getting from all over the country.
She said groups from various sectors "hungry for change" have been volunteering.
"These movements are clear manifestations of how hungry they are for stories of
inspiration which could be the key to change in our country, not another People Power
[revolt], not another revolution. We take the 2010 elections as one last chance to save
our country," she said.
Padaca, however, declined to say whether she was ready to run for vice president,
expressing fear that her response would cause "mind conditioning" among voters.
"[My answer] might only condition the minds of our people, very much like what surveys
normally do. I would prefer that the response of the public be a natural one, where the
forum of discourse [on whether a candidate should run] is free," she said.
Padaca said that lately, she has been "stepping on the brakes" before seriously taking
on the challenge, mindful of the overwhelming task that would lie ahead if she decided
to run for vice president.
"What somewhat scares me lately is the thought that the Lord can make the impossible
possible," Padaca said, referring to her election victory in 2004 that stopped the 40-year
leadership of the Dy family in Isabela.
"Let us just let things take their natural course. What we can do now, at least, is not let
such kind of hope die among our people, and continue knocking on the hearts of others
that there is hope for our country," she said.
In Ilocos Sur, Sen. Francis Pangilinan on Monday welcomed the possible entry of
Panlilio and Padaca in the 2010 races.
"Welcome lahat (Everyone is welcome)," said Pangilinan, who earlier told reporters that
he was considering to run for vice president in 2010.
The senator, however, asked Panlilio and Padaca to work hard so people all over the
country would be aware of their causes and so they could improve their standings in
surveys. Reports from Tonette Orejas, Inquirer Central Luzon; and Melvin Gascon,
Leoncio Balbin Jr., Inquirer Northern Luzon
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20090323-195760/Panlilio-not-quitting-
priesthood
Basilan bishop Martin Jumoad said Panlilio should opt to give the responsibility of
running the country to lay people.
"Ang maganda ibigay na lang sa iba (It would be better to bestow the responsibilty
to others)," Jumoad said in an interview with the Church-run Radio Veritas.
He also pointed out that priests could instead act as spiritual and moral advisers to
people running the government.
Headlines
‘Ask Kapampangans,
study his ways first’
By Ding Cervantes
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Vice Gov. Joseller Guiao and the leader of a group
that gathered over 220,000 signatures in a recall petition seeking Gov. Eddie
Panlilio‘s ouster from his post urged yesterday those pushing for the
governor as presidential candi-date in 2010 to first ask Kapam-pangans
about his leadership and character.
―I appeal to them to study his ways from the start of his campaigning as
governor to his performance as governor,‖ engineer Rosve Henson,
president of the Kapanalig at Kambilan da reng Memalen Pampanga
(Kambilan), said in an interview.
On the other hand, Guiao challenged those pushing for Panlilio as president
―to be objective enough and examine the governor‘s accomplishments in the
province.‖
―He failed in all aspects because he failed to harmonize and involve local
officials and he had isolated himself. His performance has been below par in
education, infrastructure development, health, among others aspects,‖
Guiao noted.
Guiao urged people advocating Panlilio for president not only to ask
Kapampangans but to examine the accomplishment record of Panlilio. ―To
ask Kapampangans is to get their opinions, but to examine records is to be
more objective,‖ he said.
―How can he know God‘s will for himself when he does not even obey his
superior in the Catholic Church?‖ he asked, referring to San Fernando
Archbishop Paciano Aniceto who had opposed Panlilio‘s entry into politics.
―People should look at how he handled people close to him and had
staunchly campaigned for him, his relationships with local officials and other
local leaders, and his management style,‖ he said. Almost all leaders who
had campaigned for him and whom he later appointed to important posts at
the provincial capitol have already resigned.
Punto! sent Panlilio text messages seeking an interview, but he did not
reply.
Lumanlan noted that among KCI‘s criticism of the Panlilio administration was
his retaining lawyer Vivian Dabu as provincial administrator. ―We maintained
that she was problem No. 1 in his administration, but we were ignored,‖ he
said.
Conflict with Dabu was also cited by other campaign supporters of Panlilio
for later resigning from important posts they were appointed to in the
provincial government. Dabu has been perceived as Panlilio‘s major, if not
lone adviser.
Guiao also noted that the governor‘s office had also planned to scrap First
Friday Masses at the capitol and replace these with ―services‖ by the Jesus is
Lord Fellowship, but this did not push through amid strong protests from
employees.
―It‘s terribly wrong for people to think that Panlilio will not have his version
of a first lady when he becomes president,‖ Guiao said, referring to the
probability that Dabu would play a significant role in a Panlilio presidency.
Guiao and Henson lamented that those who want Panlilio to be president are
not from Pampanga.
Earlier this year, the Pampanga provincial government also was one of the
10 ―Galing Pook‖ awardees in Malacanang for its quarry tax collection
system with P323 million revenues as of last December.
But Guiao said the impressive quarry revenue accomplishment of the Panlilio
administration was limited to his first year in office. ―Since then, quarry
revenues have been plunging by as much as 40 percent,‖ he noted.
Panlilio accused of
using 2010 polls as
‘graceful exit’
Article posted March 23, 2009 - 10:13 PM
MANILA, Philippines - A political ally of
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has
accused Governor Ed Panlilio of using the
2010 presidential elections as a ―graceful
exit" from his ―failed" leadership of
Pampanga province.
[Speaking as a citizen and a mayor of Pampanga, I can see that Gov. Panlilio
is just joking and his (presidential bid) is just a graceful exit from his being a
governor.]
In his almost two years in office, Panlilio hardly had any accomplishments
except for "story telling," according to Pelayo.
Pelayo, one of the signatories in the recall petition against Panlilio said that
while he had nothing personal against the governor, the public should
choose a candidate ―who has vision," and ―who is right [for the position]."
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/153908/Panlilio-accused-of-using-2010-polls-as-graceful-exit#
Published on Sun.Star Network Online
(http://www.sunstar.com.ph
The still unnamed coalition was formed for the 2010 national
campaign of what members claimed as "alternative leaders" like
Panlilio and Padaca, who they said could rid the government
system of corruption and "evil" and bring change to the country as
they were not "trapos" or traditional politicians.
Headlines
Informal survey on Panlilio for
president
Mar 24, 2009
An article in
Philippine Daily
Inquirer, which
was written by
Tina Arceo-
Dumlao, March
22, states that
Filipinos are
clamoring for
good
governance and
so there are
people who are
willing to put
their money on
encouraging
Gov. Ed Panlilio
to seriously
consider
seeking the presidency this 2010.
In line with this, different reactions from the citizens of Pampanga were
gathered. Out of twelve there are seven citizens who disagreed in
considering the governor to be the next president.
Most of them said that Among Ed is not yet ready to lead the nation because
in his own province he is rejected. ―Hindi ako payag na maging presidente
siya, problema nga dito sa Pampanga hindi pa niya maayos‖, a policeman
said. According to a barangay tanod who refused to give his name, he has
the right to run as a president but he is not yet qualified to be a leader
because he is still immature in field of politics. Individuals even said that the
issue on the recall is still alive; he must first fix things about it before he
dreams to live in the Malacanang.
Likewise, there are also those who disagreed due to their concern to the
suspended priest. Lourdes Santos, 52, said: ―Instead of joining politics,
Among Ed should just stay in the Church and preach the word of God, he
does not deserve the messy life in politics.‖
In contrast, there are five out of twelve who agreed for Panlilio to run as
president this 2010. Abner Aquino, 58, said that he would support Panlilio if
ever he runs for presidency. ―For the first time, may matino nang
manunungkulan sa ating bansa, alagad pa ng Panginoon‖, he said. Another
reaction was ―walang problema kung tatakbo siya, transparent siya sa pera,
hindi kurap si Among.‖ These people claimed that Gov. Ed Panlilio is better
than all other officials. ―Kaya lang naman magulo dahil wala silang mahitang
kupit kay Among‖, said one of the respondents.
Whatever it is, the election is a year to go. It is still Among Ed who will
decide, if he would run for presidency or not. And if such, reactions are not
enough to make changes in the governance. Men are able to think and so
men are able to decide if they will support him or not.
COLUMNISTS
POLITICAL ANALYSTS
POSTSCRIPT/ PhilSTAR/ March 24, 2009/ Tuesday
The sense I get, especially when I ask them why, is that it is grand delusion
for the priest-turned-politician to dream of ruling this country of some 90
million when he cannot even run Pampanga.
The only notable thing he has done since he slipped through as governor in
2007 (winning by a slim 1,147 votes) is to increase collections from the
quarrying of lahar, a sandy deposit spread by the 1991 eruption of Mt.
Pinatubo. That is good, but not enough.
***
For sure, Panlilio has many good qualities. But these are more
appropriate for the priestly ministry for which he was ordained than
for dabbling in public administration.
***
Before the sparks of pledges ignite a forest fire, media should also ask
Panlilio to produce first an audited accounting of the contributions he
received when he ran for governor in 2007.
Until the old ledger is cleared, prospective campaign donors should not dig
into their pockets or whip out their checkbooks.
***
God should not be the excuse for hasty decisions or the fall guy for
wrong judgment.
In this day and age when God is not expected to talk to us from up
there, Panlilio can do the logical thing: Consult his superiors in the
Church, starting with Archbishop Paciano Aniceto of San Fernando
(Pampanga).
Unfortunately for him, Monsignor Aniceto has said time and again
that Panlilio violated canon law by his running for and holding public
office.
***
CBCP COLD: Another prelate, Archbishop Oscar Cruz of Lingayen-Dagupan,
said that Panlilio must leave the priesthood for good if he wants to run for
president in 2010.
Panlilio has tried rationalizing his plunge into politics by saying that the
extraordinary situation in Pampanga in 2007 required his running for
governor. His superiors are not impressed, however.
Professor
Clarita Carlos:
anong political
party ba ang
susuporta sa
dalawang ito?
Kailangan mo ng
political group or political party sa likod mo. Oo nga
sinusuportahan ka ng mga NGOs, pero di naman umuupo ang
mga NGO na ‘yan sa congress eh.
Analysis
Unfortunately for the promoters of this project in civil society, the Catholic hierarchy is
not of the same mind. The Catholic hierarchy has been unsettled by the implications
of this draft movement on the principle of separation of church and state.
Panlilio, who ran for governor in 2007 on a reformist and anti-corruption platform,
defeated two administration-backed candidates, one of whom was identified with the
underground lottery ―jueteng‖ and the other with quarry syndicates in Pampanga. As
governor, he wears two hats: that of a salaried public official and that of a priest on a
vague status, considered by the hierarchy as ―on leave.‖ As such, he stands astride a
blurred line separating secular and priestly functions, which has bred conflict of
interest situations as a secular power and minister tending to the spiritual needs of his
flock as well to their secular concerns.
These conflicting demands have often been irreconcilable. For example, he was
caught in a bind when he accepted cash handouts amounting to between P250,000
and P500,000 from Malacañang, distributed to congressmen, governors and mayors
purportedly as assistance for their local projects, although the sums were actually
intended to secure their support for a move to quash the impeachment complaint
against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Panlilio later tried to return the money but
Malacañang refused to accept it.
As a power holder and a priest, Panlilio unwittingly appeared to put into practice the
dual secular and spiritual status of Iranian ayatollahs in a theocratic state, in a polity
that declares a constitutional separation between church and state. The susceptibility
of Panlilio to the inveiglement of a movement to draft him for the presidency and the
embarrassing contradictions of his dual role were too much for the Catholic bishops to
tolerate.
Lagdameo cited a decree of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines, which
forbids bishops, priests and religious from active involvement in partisan politics.
Lagdameo said, ―I presume that Governor E. Panlilio, who is a priest, has been told
about this and knows it. If he plans to run for the presidency, in view of the separation
of the church and the state, it is best for him to seek dispensation from the priesthood.
And so he will be free to engage in partisan politics.‖
Lagdameo explained that ―dispensation from the priesthood‖ would mean removing
Panlilio‘s identity and authority as a priest. Panlilio was suspended from performing
priestly duties when he ran for governor in 2007.
Lagdameo said there were alternatives to the kind of political leadership at present. ―I
believe that our country is not lacking in people from civil society who have the gifts of
authentic, credible, moral and patriotic leadership,‖ he said.
In plain words, the message is: The clergy is off limits as a recruitment ground for
political leadership. The Church cannot be more emphatic than that. Fold your tents.
Pinoy Kasi
Father President?
By Michael Tan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:57:00 03/25/2009
Filed Under: Elections, Eleksyon 2010, Churches (organisations), Politics, Personalities
Most Read
There is no Philippine law that prevents Fr. Ed Panlilio from running for public office,
unlike in Mexico, where the constitution prohibits members of the clergy from holding
public office. Ironically, what could stop Panlilio from running is his own Catholic
Church, which has been ambivalent about ―political‖ priests. Panlilio has in fact been
suspended from ―priestly duties‖ since he became governor of Pampanga province.
I use quotation marks for the word ―political‖ because the Catholic Church has actually
been political for 2,000 years, with popes themselves wielding great political power,
while cardinals and bishops have actively intervened to make, or break, kings and
queens and presidents.
In the last half century, the Vatican has set its sights on liberal priests. Up to 1980,
canon law allowed priests to run if they had the permission of their bishops, but there
were tensions here as well, especially if the bishops were conservative and the priests
running for office were liberals. In 1980, Pope John Paul II mandated that priests should
withdraw from electoral politics, and in 1983, a new canonical law went into effect with a
broader prohibition on priests taking up ―public positions entailing participation in the
exercise of civil authority.‖
Revolutionary priests
Nicaragua came to my mind almost immediately when I first read about a possible
Panlilio candidacy. The late 1960s and the entire 1970s were a time of political ferment
for the Catholic Church in Latin America and the Philippines because of harsh
dictatorships. It was during these difficult times that liberation theology gained a strong
following among both the religious and lay Catholics (as well as some Protestants).
Liberation theology borrowed from Marxism, pointing out the structural roots of poverty,
from US imperialism to the greed and corruption of local landlords and capitalists.
Liberation theology talked about a ―preferential option‖ for the poor. Many religious and
lay people went to serve urban and rural poor communities, getting involved in
community organizing and militant politics. The film ―Sister Stella L.,‖ whose 25th
anniversary is being celebrated this year, was based on the lives of Catholic sisters in
the Philippines who worked in urban poor communities, joining pickets and rallies and
investigating human rights abuses, all amid a repressive martial law regime.
Liberation theology was also strong in Nicaragua, which was ruled by the Somoza
family for several decades. As in the Philippines, Catholic religious were among those
who opposed the dictatorship. This included a Maryknoll priest, Fr. Miguel D‘Escoto,
who headed the US-based Nicaraguan solidarity movement.
The Sandinistas overthrew Somoza in 1979 and the new government appointed Father
Miguel foreign minister. He resisted his superiors‘ orders for him to give up his
government position and stayed on as foreign minister until 1990, when the Sandinistas
lost power in elections. In 2007, when the Sandinistas came back into power, he was
appointed as government adviser by President Daniel Ortega.
Father Miguel was not the type to mince words, calling Ronald Reagan a ―butcher‖ and
George W. Bush a ―liar.‖ Last year, he became president of the UN General Assembly,
and has taken a more diplomatic approach in his declarations.
There were two other Nicaraguan priests, the brothers Ernesto and Fernando Cardenal,
who clashed with their superiors, all the way up to the Pope. Ernesto, internationally
respected as a poet and writer, was Nicaragua‘s minister of culture from 1979 to 1988.
Fernando was minister of education and launched one of the most successful adult
literacy programs in the world. Both did not step down from their posts, arguing that the
new canonical law came into effect after they had been appointed to the Nicaraguan
government.
In 1983, when the Pope visited Nicaragua, there was tension when at one event,
Ernesto Cardenal approached the Pope and knelt to kiss his ring. The Pope pulled back
his hand and shook his finger at the priest.
Monsignor President?
Despite what seems to be a hardline Vatican stand, there‘s actually a Catholic bishop
who ran for president and won. This is Fernando Lugo of Paraguay, who also has roots
in liberation theology. He trained as a teacher, and then became an SVD (Society of the
Divine Word) priest. He served as a missionary in Ecuador and then returned to
Paraguay, only to be expelled by the Stroessner military regime because of his activism.
He returned in 1987, two years before Stroessner was ousted, and stayed on to serve
Paraguay. He was outspoken on issues of social justice, eventually becoming bishop of
the diocese of San Pedro.
In 2006, this ―Bishop of the Poor‖ decided to run for president and applied for laicization
or a temporary leave from the priesthood, but his request was turned down because, his
superiors said, bishops were not eligible for laicization. Lugo decided to run anyway and
was suspended. He ran against a woman candidate of the conservative Colorado Party.
Lugo won in the 2008 elections, breaking the Colorado Party‘s 62-year hold on
Paraguayan politics. The Vatican has since granted Lugo‘s request for laicization.
Lugo is one of several leftist presidents now in power in Latin America, refusing to
accept any presidential salary because the money ―belongs to more humble people.‖
Jesuit congressman
I should mention one last case here, from the United States, where a Jesuit, Fr. Robert
Drinan, was Massachusetts congressman from 1971 to 1980. He was a liberal
Democrat and ran on an anti-Vietnam War platform, unseating a congressman who had
held office for 14 terms. (You read right, 14 terms, not 14 years—the US has no limits
on the number of terms you can hold office.)
Drinan was outspoken, advocated Nixon‘s impeachment and pushed for government
funding for family planning and abortion. But he gave up his post in 1980 after Pope
John Paul II banned priests from running for office. Drinan remained active in teaching,
and continued to speak out on political issues. He died in 2007.
Should Father Ed run or not? I‘m ambivalent too. I respect the Kaya Natin team of
alternative politicians but I worry about how effective Catholic priests can be, laicized or
not. A recent article by Jonathan Chow, ―Different Standards, Different Faiths‖ on the
website ―Religion, Politics and Globalization Project‖ (rpgp.berkeley.edu) looks at what
seems to be a double standard, where Protestant ministers can run for public office
without too many eyebrows being raised while people — from popes to bishops,
Protestants or Catholics — hesitate when it comes to Catholic priests assuming public
office.
Chow notes that there is a difference between Catholic and Protestant clergy, the
former having to obey the Vatican, which technically is a ―temporal state that is also a
theocratic monarchy.‖ If Panlilio were to run, he would have to be very clear about his
stand on a number of issues, from family planning to social justice, and if he has views
different from the positions of the Vatican or the Catholic Bishops‘ Conference of the
Philippines, will he able to remain independent?
Opinion
Ad Lib
By Greg B. Macabenta
I then suggested that, if this was the case, why didn‘t the Lopezes consider De
Castro for CEO of Benpres or, at least, president of ABS-CBN?
Surely, I said, a person who was qualified to be president of the Philippines was
more than qualified to run a vast corporate complex. On the other hand, I added, if
De Castro was not good enough to run the Lopez empire, then why inflict him on
the Filipino people?
In fairness to Gabby Lopez and the rest of the enterprise, it was never really
established that they were pushing De Castro for the presidency. However, it was
no surprise that Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo picked him for vice president.
We all know why. The welfare of the country was farthest from her mind. She just
wanted one more insurance policy for her campaign. Someone whose popularity
with the masses could help neutralize the votes of Ronnie Poe and Loren Legarda.
Since then, we have all had to pray that Arroyo‘s health is sustained until the next
elections (or an upheaval that will see her replaced by a competent individual).
Otherwise, good grief, we would end up with De Castro as president.
At any rate, here we are again, sending out feelers for presidential candidates — to
add to an already top-heavy list of wannabes, many of them with more press
releases than substantive performance in their curriculum vitae.
And jumping into the fray — or, at least, testing the waters — is Pampanga priest-
turned-governor Ed Panlilio. If you are to believe the press releases, there is a
tsunami of support developing overseas and locally. Among those reportedly
endorsing his candidacy is a certain Joey Bermudez, president of Chinatrust
Philippines.
I have no doubt that Among Ed has the best of intentions. It certainly took a lot of
guts to take on the combined muscle and money of the Pinedas, the Lapids, and
the Arroyos in Pampanga and trash them in the race for governor. There is also no
doubt that he can claim the moral ascendancy that many of the current presidential
hopefuls can only talk about in press releases.
But unless someone can convince me that good intentions will translate into the
ability to piece together a jigsaw puzzle of a battered economy, a Mafia-type hold
on the rackets at the local and national level, poverty and joblessness, a broken-
down bureaucracy, nonexistent health and social services, a wayward educational
system, an ill-equipped military, self-serving legislation, a questionable judicial
system, the quid pro quo of foreign relations, and the gargantuan problem of
managing the biggest enterprise in the country — government — I‘m not sure I
would like to endorse the good crusader for president.
Of course, I have the same reservations about many others who are (horrors!)
ranking high in the SWS polls. But let‘s focus on the likes of Among Ed.
Anecdotal evidence tells us that her good intentions were undercut by friends and
relatives, and the most competent advisers and Cabinet members could not make
up for her own inability to cope with the multifarious demands of the presidency.
Mercifully, she made good her promise to step down after one term.
Fidel V. Ramos, steeped in military discipline, skilled in political quid pro quo, and
armed with a vision for the country won (I must say, again, mercifully) against
another would-be president who came on the scene with fire and thunder: Miriam
Defensor-Santiago. We now know what fate would have awaited the country had
she become president.
We also know what fate befell the country when Erap Estrada became president.
And we know what has befallen our hapless people with Arroyo as president.
Now, Joey Bermudez and a host of well-intentioned folks think that Among
Ed is qualified for president? Again, with due respect, I beg them to look at it
this way: Would he qualify as CEO of the Ayala corporate empire?
Bringing the standards to more esoteric and humane levels: Does he have
the vision, the compassion, the humility, the salesmanship, the leadership
qualities, the long track record, and the dogged consistency of Tony Meloto,
the miracle man of Gawad Kalinga?
The only question to which I‘m sure the answer will be "Yes" is: Will Among
Ed try his very best to be a good president? I‘m sure he will. But trying
doesn‘t mean succeeding.
Failure can also be so devastating for our people. Because, at that point,
they will say, "Let‘s just settle for someone who‘s corrupt but manages to
get our country moving slightly forward rather than not at all." That‘s what
they‘re now saying about Marcos, after years under Arroyo.
I think it‘s a good exercise, provided the promoters approach this with an
open mind and a willingness to hold the prospective candidates to the
highest standards of integrity, intelligence, managerial ability, people skills,
vision and statesmanship. Plus a great love for our country and our people.
Among Ed‘s name should certainly be added to the pool. But, better yet, I
think we should just support him in his Quixotic campaign to give
Pampangueños back their pride. That‘s a difficult enough task, as it is.
Forget about the presidency. That should come in due time, if deserved.
gregmacabenta@hotmail.com
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW032509/content.php?id=141
President Panlilio?
Anthonio C. Abaya
My unsolicited advice to those who are pushing Pampanga Gov. Among Ed Panlilio and
Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca to the presidential and vice-presidential race in 2010: Let us
make haste slowly.
In the 2004 presidential elections, the reformist candidate was TV Evangelist Eddie
Villanueva. Despite a massive pre-election rally in the Luneta that supposedly drew one
million attendees, Villanueva won only 6 percent of the votes and trailed way behind
President Arroyo, FPJ, the late Raul Roco and Ping Lacson.
If FPJ, Roco, Lacson and Villanueva had joined together and backed only one opposition
candidate, President Gloria would have been soundly defeated.
But the oppositionists did not unite in 2004, and chances are that they will not unite in
2010. Despite all the noble sentiments that accompany the Panlilio-Padaca float, it will
just further split the opposition and allow Gloria’s anointed one—Gilbert Teodoro, Noli
de Castro, or GMA herself in a parliamentary system—to win handily.
To be fair, Governor Panlilio has not himself declared that he is seeking the presidency.
He said that he was still in “a period of discernment… I will go for whoever will
represent a genuine reform constituency. It does not necessarily have to be me. If
there is a more appropriate candidate, why will I present myself? I look at my role now
as more of one of the convenors of a genuine reform coalition…” (Inquirer, March 22)
According to the Inquirer of March 23, their backers belong to a yet unnamed coalition
who want to push for “alternative leaders” like Panlilio and Padaca, who the group said
could rid the government of corruption and bring change to the country, being non-
traditional politicians.
Some of the backers have been identified: Kubol Pag-asa Community of “running priest”
Fr. Robert Reyes; Pakisama, an umbrella group of farmers’ organizations; Philippine
Alliance of Ex-Seminarians (PAX); and Kaya Natin, an Ateneo de Manila University-
based movement promoting good governance, led by Harvey Keh.
Frankly, only Kaya Natin and Harvey Keh ring a bell, they being assiduous in sending e-
mails daily in cyberspace. Can they pull it off? I doubt it, for reasons stated above. But
let’s wait for the surveys of Pulse Asia and the Social Weather stations to see if Panlilio
and Padaca are registering at all in people’s consciousness.
This early in his willy nilly dip into presidential politics, Governor Panlilio—who is an
ordained priest but is suspended from performing priestly duties—has to contend with
negative feedbacks from his own home organization, the Roman Catholic Church.
Said San Fernando (Pampanga) Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, who is worried that the
priesthood could be used for political ends: “The more a priest goes up the political
ladder, the more it could be detrimental to his priesthood.”
Cruz advised Panlilio to first get dispensation from all his clerical obligations “definitely
and permanently.” Cruz said Panlilio should leave the priesthood now “so he would not
drag the clergy and the Church into downright partisan politics” and “so he will not
shame, divide or demean the clergy and the Church with his official blunders and
personal liabilities… Last and foremost, he will badly lose,” Cruz said. (Inquirer, March
23). Wow! Heavy!
In its index of perception of corruption—the higher the number, the higher the
perceived corruption—Haiti in 2002 was ranked 89th out of 102 countries; in 2003
131st out of 133 countries; in 2004 145th out of 145 countries.
So, having a priest as president for three years did not help Haiti defeat corruption. If
anything, corruption got even worse, and Haiti was adjudged the most corrupt country
in the world during his last year as president.
In Paraguay, Fernando Lugo, bishop of the diocese of San Pedro, won the presidential
elections in April 2008. Pope Benedict XVI had rejected his resignation from the
priesthood, but in July 2008, the Pope downgraded him to layman status so that he
could assume the presidency.
It is too early to conclude if having a bishop as president has helped Paraguay fight
corruption. In 2008, Paraguay was ranked 138th out of 180 countries. (Haiti was
177th.)
(Under our President Arroyo—who was put there by the Lord, according to herself—the
Philippines sank like a stone in Transparency International’s perception of corruption
index: From 77th out of 102 countries in 2002, to 98th out of 133 in 2003; to 102nd
out of 145 in 2004; to 117th out of 158 in 2005, to 121st out of 163 in 2006; to 131st
out of 179 in 2007; and 141st out of 180 countries in 2008).
Personal holiness, whether real or faked, has nothing to do with being effective in
fighting corruption. The best and only way to fight corruption is to prosecute and jail
those who are corrupt. It is as simple as that. How does Governor Panlilio fare by this
rule of thumb?
In my article Fr. Ed’s Pampanga, of Aug. 27, 2007, I heaped praises on Fr. Among Ed
Panlilio for having collected P29.4 million in quarrying fees in his first month in office,
compared to only P29 million collected by his predecessor Mark Lapid in an entire year.
To my simple, non-legal mind, this was direct evidence of monkey business during the
Lapids’ governorship (Mark had succeeded his own father Lito, now senator), and I had
expected an investigation of the huge discrepancy and prosecution of those who stole
about P325 million in quarrying fees every year.
But apparently Governor Panlilio ordered no such investigation, and the plunderers have
been allowed to carry on as if nothing monumentally corrupt had gone on. Governor
Panlilio has to do better than that if he wants to convince us that as president he can
rid the country of corruption and bring about a much needed moral change in our
politics.
Opinion
So, what‘s all the buzz about him eyeing the presidency – as bannered in his
favorite paper – if not about his personality?
Yeah, right. So, of the hostile reactions to his possible presidential run,
Panlilio had this to say: ―It‘s a repeat of the 2007 elections on a larger scale
this time.‖
Yeah, right again. Panlilio could well be saying this with the so-called
primaries for the ―reform candidates‖ in mind.
A repeat of 2007. When Panlilio was one of the convenors of a group of civil
society and religious leaders self-tasked to select the ―moral alternative‖ in
an election being contested by the so-called twin scourges of Pampanga –
jueteng and the quarry plunderers.
Yeah, right. A visioning of Pampanga freed of evil provided the base from
which sprang all considerations of possible candidates with the moral
backbone, integrity, and record of accomplishments.
The names that came up the convenors‘ list: UP Professor Randy David,
former Public Works Secretary and Manila North Tollways Corp. President
Ping de Jesus, and Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry President
Rene Romero, being the most prominent.
So what happened?
Panlilio, the convenor, became the candidate. Panlilio, the bugo (go-
between), turned out to be the groom.
A repeat of 2007. Yeah, right. Only Panlilio will meet the man-profile of the
―reform candidate‖ for president. The odds are heavily tilted to his favor.
What with the country‘s most influential newspaper as his prime pimp.
“Lunto ya mu rin (The candidate will surface in time).‖ Again, Panlilio was
quoted as saying.
Linto ne. (He has already surfaced.) Panlilio himself said over Radio Veritas:
―If people will say that I can do it, if they will say I can make it, yes (I will
run.)‖
So there. 2007 déjà vu. Panlilio will run for president. That is pre-destined,
er, pre-determined.
So the Canon Law doctor and former president of the Catholic Bishops
Conference of the Philippines carped more: ―There is no such thing in the
Church as a ‗priest on leave‘… The insinuation of such a phrase is that the
priest can be anybody or anything as long as he pleases, until such time
when he finds it convenient, helpful or secure to minister as a priest again.‖
And therefore, Cruz said, Panlilio should first secure a dispensation from all
his clerical obligations ―definitively and permanently.‖
So what?
Canon Law failed to inhibit Panlilio from pursuing the governorship in 2007.
Canon Law will fail not dissuade Panlilio from pursuing his higher political
ambitions.
So sanction him now? Panlilio himself said over TV Patrol he would protest
and contest any move by the Church to defrock him should he persisted in
his political persona.
Yeah, right. For who would vote for Panlilio devoid of the honorific Among?
BLOGGERS
Governor Ed Panlilio’s Temptation
http://www.carloople.com/2009/03/23/governor-ed-panlilios-temptation/
Governor Ed, you are not the messiah of the Philippines. You have no
training whatsoever as an economist, politician, diplomat, armed forces
chief, or any of the skills needed to lead a country. What you are right now
is a moral force that inspires and reminds people that we do need reforms
and that we need to take a stand against corruption. If you believe that you
are ―the ONE‖ and that you will be responsible for turning this country
around, then listen harder to that voice in your conscience because it might
be just pride and ego. If ever you do run, you‘re not relying on yourself to
win on 2010, but rather on the institution and reputation of the Church.
There are so many problems that will arise once you take on the Presidency.
I‘m sure most of the problems that you‘ll encounter will be firsts for you
because of your lack of experience. Can you really lead this country with
your current skill set? Can you really bring us out of debt instead of plunging
us even deeper into economic turmoil? If your answer here is a big yes, then
prove it with Pampanga!
In your interview, you said that you wanted more to become part of a
movement that will look for a ―Reform Candidate‖. Maybe this is your true
calling and not to actually become THAT candidate.
If you will really run in 2010, then do it the right way. Leave the priesthood
for good and concentrate on your career as a politician. Stop using the
Priesthood as a trump card in elections and focus on your achievements as a
Governor.
This will probably be your greatest temptation yet. It‘s not in the form of a
seductive woman, money, influence, power, or even greed. It‘s the
temptation that a lot of priests and pastors fall to - the temptation of
believing that you are the next Jesus.
Naive Panlilio
2009 MARCH 22
by balatucan
But I have been there Father. In 1992 I voted for Jovy Salonga and Nene Pimentel
tandem yet they both lose. Fr. Panlilio’s principled politics is okay but it is not
realistic now. Maybe we can achieve it in the next 50 years, gradually. Panlilio is
no match to the well oiled machinery of established parties and
candidates. Pupulutin lang si Ed Panlilio sa kankungan along with his noble
crusade. Then he will just be forgotten.
Enter Sen. Kiko Pangilinan who said the 2010 elections is about new politics
against trapo politics and not against administration and opposition. I find this as
too naive. The country has been beaten black and blue by bad governance for the
past ten years. One cannot simply shrug it off. There is bitterness out there and to
suggest its not about opposition and administration is very anti climactic and to
some extent out of touch with reality.
No reforms will come unless the people reform their bad election habits. Bad
election habits are acquired by bad training and distorted values which our
educational system failed to remedy. Change in our politics cannot happen
overnight. Its a journey of a people. Unless the people are enlightened and say
enough is enough then it will happen. But I dont think it is happening now.
People are selfish right now that even a Panlilio candidacy cannot change that.
Thats how I see things right now.
SMOKE POLITICS
PRIEST KING
Posted by rom on March 21, 2009 at 8:20 pm.
Be that as it may, it looks like Panlilio will definitely stay on as Pampanga governor
despite the withdrawal of support of the very people who carried him to power on their
shoulders, who now claim that they have found him to be incompetent, arrogant in his
power, and arbitrary in his management of the province.